Drug Enforcement Administration

Connecticut Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficker Arrested, Charged

Provided drugs to victim before her death

MAY 10 - NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Michael J. Ferguson Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA’s New England Division, and Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that that George Kinney, 34, of Plainfield was arrested yesterday and charged in a criminal complaint with distributing fentanyl.

Kinney appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents, on August 31, 2016, the Plainfield Police Department responded to a report of an untimely death of a 38-year-old female at a hotel in Plainfield. At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including bags that appear to have contained heroin and/or fentanyl that were located in a bathroom garbage can. The investigation revealed that Kinney had provided the drugs to the victim and her boyfriend shortly before the victim’s death.

At the time of his arrest, it is alleged that Kinney possessed 40 bags of heroin and/or fentanyl, most of which had identical labeling to the bags found at the hotel. Forensic analysis of the bags revealed the presence of fentanyl.

The complaint charges Kinney with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Plainfield Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.